What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Christchurch?

We asked people in Christchurch if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"In Christchurch, it is considered rude to not wait in line or to push ahead of others. It's important to respect the personal space of others and not stand too close to someone you don't know well. It's also considered impolite to be overly loud or boisterous in public places. New Zealanders value punctuality, so being late for an appointment or meeting is seen as disrespectful. It's also considered a faux pas to discuss personal wealth or income, as New Zealanders generally value modesty and humility. When invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift for the host, such as a bottle of wine or chocolates. However, it's considered impolite to ask for a tour of the host's home, as this is seen as an invasion of privacy. In Maori culture, which is significant in New Zealand, it's considered disrespectful to sit on tables or to touch someone's head, as these are seen as sacred. It's also important to respect Maori customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering a marae (a Maori meeting ground) and not eating or drinking during a powhiri (a Maori welcoming ceremony). Finally, New Zealand is known for its beautiful natural environment, and locals take great pride in preserving it. Littering, damaging natural features, or not adhering to environmental guidelines is not only illegal, but also deeply frowned upon," wrote a member who made the move to Christchurch, New Zealand.

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